The Lugano Sustainability Series officially started on May 21, 2024. The launch event focused on the circular economy and took place in the Sala San Rocco at Quartiere Maghetti, Lugano. The series is a joint effort by the City of Lugano, Franklin University Switzerland, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), and Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera italiana (SUPSI) with the aim of educating and involving the public in crucial sustainability issues.
The goal of the Lugano Sustainability Series is to promote sustainable development through collaboration. With the combined efforts of local academic institutions and the City's #luganosostenibile project, the series seeks to enhance public understanding of sustainability and drive actionable change.
The Green Office of Franklin University Switzerland, led by Dr. Jean Wu, played a key role in the launch event. The office is dedicated to advancing sustainability on campus and in the wider community by implementing green practices, promoting environmental awareness, and supporting initiatives such as the Lugano Sustainability Series. Dr. Wu, who also spoke at the event, shared valuable insights into the principles of the circular economy, emphasizing practical steps for individuals and organizations to adopt sustainable practices.
The inaugural event delved into the circular economy, which aims to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency in production and consumption. The session included presentations by Prof. Luca Canetta, Alessandro Fontana, Silvia Menato, Nele Langebraun, and Jean Wu, who elaborated on the principles of the circular economy and showcased practical applications within the local context, drawing from the experiences and initiatives spearheaded by the Franklin Green Office.
A highlight of the event was the roundtable discussion featuring representatives from six Ticino-based companies. They shared their experiences and business models focused on sustainability and circularity, providing real-world examples of successful implementation of circular economy principles by local businesses. Jean Wu and the Green Office contributed their knowledge, enriching the discussions and demonstrating the impact of academic and community collaboration in sustainability efforts.
The event concluded with a networking session, allowing participants to engage directly with presenters and other experts. This segment provided a platform for deeper discussions on sustainability practices and opportunities for future collaborations, with the Green Office actively facilitating connections and encouraging ongoing dialogue about sustainable practices within the community.
The successful launch of the Lugano Sustainability Series marks the beginning of an ongoing effort to educate and inspire the community about sustainable practices. Future events will continue exploring various themes related to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The Franklin Green Office is committed to leading these efforts and invites the community to participate in upcoming events, aiming to learn, share, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Join us in our commitment to sustainability—be informed, get involved, and make a difference.